Lagos — Diamond Bank FC booked a place in the Bankers League for the first time after a fifth minute set-piece by Olusola Salako was parried into the net by Fidelity Bank keeper to earn a deserved 1 - 0 victory in a semi final mach played over the weekend at the Yaba Tech sports complex.

After picking a free pass from mid-field, Diamond star player, Solomon Aneke's rampaging run caused panic in the Fidelity defence before he was hacked down resulting in a free kick. Salako stepped up and unleashed a ferocious shot which the Fidelity keeper tipped and watched helplessly as it sailed into the net, sparking up wild jubilations from the Diamond Bank fans.

As the game settled, Fidelity took control of the mid field play, but Diamond Bank's resolute defence, thwarted their efforts.

Diamond Bank continued to look dangerous on the counter attack as the strike duo of Solomon Aneke and David Iwuchukwu continued to cause problems for the Fidelity defence.

After half time pep talk by UK Eke, Diamond Bank Executive Director, Diamond FC came out with more determination to win, but the first clear chance came in the 52nd when Solomon Aneke rounded the Fidelity defenders and keeper but watched his effort roll helplessly off target.

Solomon Aneke was yet again was too much to handle before he buried the ball behind the net for what should have counted as Diamond's 2nd, but his effort was ruled out for an offside, although Aneke appeared to be clearly onside.

In the 2nd semi finals, FCMB beat Standard Chartered 1-0 to set up a clash with Diamond Bank in the finals billed for October 12 at the Yaba Tech sports complex.